Moku‘ula by Moonlight celebrates Summer Solstice with next generation of Hawaiian musicians and storytellers

June 16, 2016

LAHAINA - Moku'ula by Moonlight will celebrate the Summer Solstice on Monday, June 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Presented by Friends of Moku'ula, this cultural and educational program is free and open to the public. As the full moon rises over Mauna Kahalawai in West Maui, the Moku'ula/Mokuhinia restoration site in Lahaina is in the spotlight, and the next generation of Hawaiian musicians and storytellers will be guest entertainers.

Students of George Kahumoku Jr.'s Slack Key Guitar & 'Ukulele Workshops will take the stage for Hawaiian mele and mo'olelo.

Article Photos

Moku‘ula by Moonlight events are held at Hale Halawai in Kamehameha Iki Park. PHOTO BY J. ANTHONY MARTINEZ.

One young rising star is Anthony Pfluke, a 15-year-old singer-songwriter born and raised on Maui. He performs contemporary and island-style Hawaiian music along with his soul-stirring original compositions. Anthony recently released an EP, "Never Letting Go," with Kahumoku. He plays 'ukulele, piano and slack key guitar, and has won Hula Grill's Youth 'Ukulele Contest three years in a row.

As part of the program, special guest speakers will talk about the Aloha 'Aina Project, Native Hawaiian movements for the protection of land and natural resources, promoting cultural responsibility.

Moku'ula by Moonlight (#MbM) is held on the lawn in front of Hale Halawai in Kamehameha Iki Park at 525 Front St. in Lahaina. Limited bench seating is provided; blankets, mats and low beach chairs are welcome. For more information, call the Friends of Moku'ula office at 661-3659 or e-mail friends@mokuula.com. Updates are available at Mokuula.com/ events and Facebook.com/mokuula.